‘Alert citizen’ credited with helping Port Moody police nab wanted man

Port Moody Police Department badge is seen in this undated image. (Port Moody Police Department/Facebook)

Authorities are crediting an “alert citizen” with helping Port Moody police arrest a wanted man over the weekend.

The bystander called police Sunday night to report a man “rummaging through multiple vehicles” in the city’s Ioco Road corridor, the Port Moody Police Department said in a news release.

Officers didn’t find a suspect at the scene, but used surveillance video to locate a suspect—who was wanted on an outstanding warrant—kilometres away about an hour later, authorities said.

“Incidents like these are a great reminder of the vital role the public plays in helping us curb crime in our community,” said Const. Sam Zacharias, in a statement. “We thank the diligent witness who contacted us right away and helped advance our investigation.”

Marc Smaaslet, 31, is charged with two counts of mischief and five counts of breaching a release order.

He remained in custody Wednesday morning ahead of a scheduled court appearance, police said.